Nutcracker effect on the Left Renal Vein and Venous Hypertension
CT through the kidneys show aa nutcracker effect on the left renal vein causing compression (maroon arrow b and d) with upstream distension of the left renal vein (blue arrowheads c and d) This finding indicating renal venous hypertension is a cause of proteinuria and hematuria
Ashley Davidoff MD TheCommonVein.net 135678

The Nutcracker syndrome, also known as the left renal vein entrapment syndrome, is a condition that occurs when the left renal vein becomes compressed between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery.

On a CT scan, the following findings may be observed in the case of the Nutcracker syndrome affecting the left renal vein:

  1. Left renal vein dilation: The CT scan may reveal the dilation or enlargement of the left renal vein above the point of compression due to the increased pressure within the vein.
  2. Left renal vein narrowing: Below the point of compression, the left renal vein may appear narrowed on the CT scan due to the constriction caused by the compression between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery.

Nutcracker syndrome  can potentially cause hematuria and proteinuria

Retro-Aortic Left Renal Vein and Venous Hypertension

Retro-Aortic Left Renal Vein and Venous Hypertension
CT through the kidneys show a retro-aortic left renal vein causing compression with upstream distension of the left renal vein The compression results in renal venous hypertension which can cause proteinuria and hematuria
Ashley Davidoff MD TheCommonVein.net 135679